buying advice please

[cds11]

thinking about buying a 1979 evinrude 115hp for my pontoon. its a 3 hour drive to get the motor so I asked him to do a compression check so he did and heres the numbers, 125 125 125 110. think it would be ok or should I pass?

 

[ondarvr]

The 110 is a bit of a concern, but not terrible, could be stuck rings.

These motors love to break rings, so while preventing carbon build up helps a great deal, the design isn't that good so they eventually break, which requires a complete rebuild. Other than that they're reliable and parts can be found everywhere for cheap.

 

[racerone]

Depends on the price and warranty if a dealer.------I would want to witness the compression test on this motor.-----How are the cosmetics ?----Many boats are stored for years at a time and have few hrs on them.-----Picking up an 87 model like that from a dealer.------Likely convinced a well to do individual that it is time for a new motor with warranty.-----I took one look under the cover and said SOLD.------But then I have every piece that motor would need to repair it many times over.